Write Faster SQL

Have you ever stared at a slow query and had no idea where to start?

Most of us end up trying things at random. We add an index, rewrite a join, run it again and hope. Sometimes it works, but you're never quite sure why.

Write Faster SQL gives you a step-by-step process instead. You'll find the slow queries, see how the database actually runs them, and know which changes will make a difference.

You'll be able to:

• Find the slowest queries on your database using ready-made scripts
• Read an execution plan and see which step is slowing your query down
• Choose the right indexes, and know when an index won't help
• Rewrite queries using techniques like EXISTS instead of IN, removing DISTINCT, CTEs, window functions and better pagination
• Compare results before and after, so you know you haven't broken anything and can show your team the improvement

All examples are shown in Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL and PostgreSQL.

What's included

• 6 modules and 32 short video lessons (about 5 to 10 minutes each)
• Execution Plan Guide (PDF) for Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL and PostgreSQL
• Overall Process Reference (PDF) to use on your next slow query
• SQL scripts to find slow queries, check existing indexes and compare before and after
• The complete course as a PDF for offline reading
• Lifetime access, plus a comments section to ask me questions

"Your Write Faster SQL course is a good investment. The approach is interesting in that you are showing the same lessons against 4 different database engines... The most helpful part in my opinion was reading the execution plan. Seeing it 4 different ways is calming." Doug T

"After the Database Star training, I did identify all the worst running queries on my production databases and fixed them and that reduced our cloud costs." David B

30-Day Money Back Guarantee

If you're not happy with the course, let me know within 30 days of purchasing and I'll refund the full purchase price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this course for?

It's for people who already write SQL, like data analysts, database developers and software developers, and want their queries to run faster. You don't need to be a DBA. The focus is on writing better queries and adding the right indexes, rather than server configuration or database administration.

Which databases does it cover?

Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL and PostgreSQL. If you use something else, like Snowflake or DB2, the concepts still apply and you may need to make some minor adjustments to the SQL.

Execution plans confuse me. Is that a problem?

Not at all. I'll show you how the steps in the plan match the parts of your query, and which parts to focus on. We'll look at plans in SQL Developer, SSMS, MySQL Workbench and pgAdmin.

What if I'm not allowed to create indexes?

Many of the strategies only need you to change your SQL. And when you do need an index, you'll be able to show your DBA the before and after performance to back up your request.

How long does it take?

The lessons are short, so you can watch one in a spare 10 minutes. You get access to everything as soon as you enrol, and you keep it for life.